The third episode in Henkes's Miller family series is told from Sal's point of view, splendidly expressed by Julienne Irons. At first, the arrival of the new baby was an exciting time for Sal and her family. However, a week after her birth, Sal has become bored because the unnamed infant mostly sleeps and eats. As narrator, Irons captures not only these subtleties, but also Sal’s desire to be independent, her fear of losing her mother's affection, her jealousy at family life revolving around the baby, and, finally, her acceptance of her new role as "older sister." A humorous subplot about misplaced underwear is timed and executed perfectly, helping to keep this family story energized and buoyant. S.D.B. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

Henkes’ third book centered on the Miller family—after the Newbery Honor The Year of Billy Miller and Billy Miller Makes a Wish —follows Billy’s 4-year-old sister, Sal. . . . Sal’s New Year’s Day has plenty of big moments of misunderstanding—and understanding. . . . Henkes’ keen awareness of the ways it is hard and constantly revelatory to be a child gives this simple family story a sense of heart and happiness. . . . Delightfully superb.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“This third, stand-alone installment of the Miller family saga is told from four-year-old Sal’s point of view. It’s New Year’s Day, and there’s simply too much going on for her. . . . But if Sal is at times overwhelmed by life’s complications, she is part of a loving family that takes her emotions seriously and includes her in their day-to-day decisions. . . . Henkes is a master at probing the mind and heart of a young child, writing with gentle humor and affection.” — Horn Book (starred review)

“In this stand-alone companion book to The Year of Billy Miller and Billy Miller Makes a Wish, the spotlight shifts from eight-year-old Billy to his four-year-old sister, Sal. . . . It’s New Year’s Day, and she can’t find her favorite Christmas present . . . Written in third person from Sal’s viewpoint, the story takes place within a 24-hour period, yet the family members’ actions, concerns, and conversations offer a broad range of insights into the characters and their relationships. . . . A captivating family story with gentle humor and emotional resonance.” — Booklist (starred review)

“Sal has a lot going on—a new sister, a visiting uncle, an annoying brother, and a missing pair of underpants. . . . With his characteristic charm, Henkes takes readers straight into the microcosm of a little girl’s world where small things mean everything, and imagination helps process emotions; readers will easily feel at home. The picture-perfect narrative creates a natural world filled with a relatable and engaging cast that feels more like family than book characters. . . . Authentic and warm.” — School Library Journal

09/01/2022

Gr 1–4—Sal has a lot going on—a new sister, a visiting uncle, an annoying brother, and a missing pair of underpants. The four-year-old sister of Billy Miller from Henkes's previous middle grade novels, Sal received a set of flowered, days-of-the-week undies for Christmas. When her favorite pair goes missing, she's heartbroken. Papa and Mama help her search the house, and when the undies still can't be found, they help take her mind off this very big dilemma. Just when things start looking up, another problem occurs. Sal feels unprepared to deal with it all, but her family—even the new baby—shows her that big problems can sometimes have unexpected and wonderful outcomes. With his characteristic charm, Henkes takes readers straight into the microcosm of a little girl's world where small things mean everything, and imagination helps process emotions; readers will easily feel at home. The picture-perfect narrative creates a natural world filled with a relatable and engaging cast that feels more like family than book characters. The wholesome plot feels authentic and warm. The only downfall of this book is that it is marketed as middle grade because of the previous books when it will resonate far more with the chapter book audience. VERDICT A lovely, honest story perfect for fans of Jeanne Birdsall's The Penderwicks or for those looking for a read-aloud for young children.—Kate Davis

The third episode in Henkes's Miller family series is told from Sal's point of view, splendidly expressed by Julienne Irons. At first, the arrival of the new baby was an exciting time for Sal and her family. However, a week after her birth, Sal has become bored because the unnamed infant mostly sleeps and eats. As narrator, Irons captures not only these subtleties, but also Sal’s desire to be independent, her fear of losing her mother's affection, her jealousy at family life revolving around the baby, and, finally, her acceptance of her new role as "older sister." A humorous subplot about misplaced underwear is timed and executed perfectly, helping to keep this family story energized and buoyant. S.D.B. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

★ 2022-07-13
Henkes’ third book centered on the Miller family—after the Newbery Honor The Year of Billy Miller (2014) and Billy Miller Makes a Wish (2021)—follows Billy’s 4-year-old sister, Sal.

Sal’s New Year’s Day has plenty of big moments of misunderstanding—and understanding. She is full of feelings today and sheds more than a few tears. Two people in her household seem like interlopers—the new baby, just over a week old, who doesn’t yet have a name, and Papa's younger brother, Uncle Jake, whose exuberance and habit of calling her Salamander are extremely irritating. Plus, she's misplaced a treasured gift from Santa—her favorite pair of a set of seven flower-themed underpants. Henkes’ keen awareness of the ways it is hard and constantly revelatory to be a child gives this simple family story a sense of heart and happiness. Endearing spot drawings—Sal imagining elves making underwear, for example—convey whimsy and cheer. The third-person narrative sticks close to Sal, observing this close, loving household from her perspective. Though Sal knows that Uncle Jack and Papa are brothers, her surprise when she realizes that her uncle is her father’s younger brother (“…she never thought of them as kids. And she never thought about who was older. All adults seemed generally the same age to her”) is a realistic example of how children make sense of family relationships and the world. Henkes channels the inner lives of his protagonists with sensitivity and respect—his audience will feel seen. Characters are cued White.

Quietly, delightfully superb. (Fiction. 5-9)